Experimental Investigation of Iodine Removal in a Submerged Venturi Scrubber

Severe nuclear accidents can cause over-pressurization and serious damage to the containment of a nuclear power plant, which can result in the release of radioactivity into the environment. Filtered containment venting systems are a nuclear safety system that is designed to control over-pressurization and prevent radioactive fission products from spreading into the environment in the case of a severe accident. Iodine is one of the most harmful products among this list of fissionable products, as it can cause thyroid cancer. The removal of iodine is very important in order to ensure the safety of people and the environment. Thus, an indigenous lab scale setup of this system was developed at PIEAS to conduct research on iodine removal. It is comprised of a compressor for replicating high-pressure accident scenarios, a heater to keep iodine in a vapor form, a dosing pump for the injection of iodine, and a venturi scrubber, submerged in the scrubbing column, containing a solution of 0.2% sodium thiosulphate and 0.5% sodium hydroxide. Inlet and outlet samples were trapped in 0.1 M KOH solution and analyzed via UV-VIS spectroscopy. Operating parameters play an important role in the working of a venturi scrubber. The throat velocity was varied to determine its influence on the removal efficiency of iodine. An increase in removal efficiency was observed with an increase in throat velocity. A removal efficiency of >99% was achieved, which fulfilled the requirements for FCVS.

IMPACT OF VARIOUS PRESERVATIVE SOLUTIONS ON VASE LIFE AND POST-HARVEST QUALITY OF CUT ROSES

Short vase life and post-harvest losses of cut flowers are major threat to floriculture industry. There are different preservative solutions that have been used to extend the post-harvest life of cut flowers. Hence, this study was executed at Floriculture laboratory of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad during 2018-2020 to explore the efficacy of different preservative solutions on vase life and post-harvest quality of cut roses. There were 6 treatments viz, (T1= Distilled water, T2= Silver nitrate @ 100 ppm, T3= 8-Hydroxyquiroline citrate @ 100 ppm, T4= Sodium thiosulphate @100 ppm, T5= Sodium benzoate @100 ppm, T6= Sucrose @ 40 g/L) and two rose cultivars Kardinal and Gold medal. The experiment was arranged according to complete randomized design (CRD). Results designated that longest vase life (15 days), maximum soluble solid contents (9.3 Brix) and longest opening period (7.4 days) were acquired with silver nitrate @100 ppm solution while maximum flower size (6.77 cm2) and largest head diameter (8.6 cm) were achieved with sodium thiosulphate when applied at the rate of 100 ppm in cultivar Kardinal. All other chemical solutions also displayed positive effects. Keeping in view the remarkable impact of Silver nitrate on vase life and quality of cut roses, it is recommended for commercial growers and cut flower industry for preservation of cut roses for longer time.

Effect of Hexane Extracts of Chromolaena odorata (Linn.) on Hematotoxicity Induced by Cyanide in Male Albino Wistar Rats

Aim: To investigate the effect of Hexane extract of Chromolaena odorata (HECO) on cyanide induced hematotoxicity in male Albino Wistar rats. Methodology: Thirty-five (35) male albino rats weighing between 100g and 150g were distributed randomly into 7 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 which comprised of normal rats received distilled water and served as the normal control, while groups 2-7 comprised of rats exposed to Potassium cyanide (KCN) (3 mg/kg). Group 2 received no treatment and served as the negative control. Groups 3, 4 and 5 received 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg of HECO respectively. Group 6 received 200 mg/kg HECO and 200 mg/kg sodium thiosulphate while group 7 was treated with a sodium thiosulphate (200 mg/kg), an established antidote, and served as the positive control. All administrations were done via the oral route and lasted for 14 days. Complete blood count was conducted after the experimental period. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukeys multiple comparisons test and P < .05 was considered significant. Results: Results obtained indicate Red cell indices and white blood cell and differential were all significantly raised (P < .05) in treated rats relative to the negative control rats. Platelet value and Mean corpuscular volume were raised and lowered respectively during induction by the treatments, however, no statistical significance (P < .05) was observed. The results therefore suggest that C. odorata could be valuable in the management of the hematological changes induced by cyanide. Conclusion: HECO reversed the adverse hematological changes in rats induced by cyanide at 100, 150 and 200 doses, with the 200 mg dose being more effective.

Study of Drinking Water Quality Parameters of Jaykwadi Dam

This study is restricted in terms of water quality for drinking purpose. Various Physico-chemical Parameters like pH, conductivity. TDS are measured in laboratory by using digital pH meter, digital conductivity meter and TDS recording kit. By sung standard laboratory methods the Parameters Such as sodium, and potassium by Flame photometry. Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Sulphate, Nitrate, and Iron were estimated in the Laboratory. Total dissolved solids, TDS, was measured by evaporation method. Biochemical oxygen demand, BOD, represents the amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria and other microorganisms while they decompose organic matter under aerobic (in presence of oxygen) conditions at a specified temperature. BOD was measured by sodium thiosulphate titration method. Chemical oxygen demand, COD, was measured by titration of potassium dichromate and sodium thiosulphate.

Role of Sodium Thiosulphate in Calciphylaxis

Calciphylaxis, also known as Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy (CUA), is a rare condition often but not exclusively seen in end stage renal disease. Current literature recommends trial of Sodium Thiosulphate (STS) in all CUA patients. The long - term use of STS is limited by the adverse effect of Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis (AGMA) which can be managed timely to maximize the benefits of STS.